What do I do in the case of an emergency?

17 Jun What do I do in the case of an emergency?

Toothache: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm salt water. Do not place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If your child’s face is swollen, apply cold compresses. Call your dentist immediately.

Cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek: Apply ice to the injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If the bleeding can’t be controlled by simple pressure, call your dentist.

Knocked-out permanent tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. If it’s sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. If you don’t manage to re-insert the tooth, put the tooth in a cup that contains your child’s saliva or in milk. If your child is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in his/her mouth (beside the cheek). Your child must see the dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked-out baby tooth: This is usually not an emergency and in most cases, no treatment is necessary. DO NOT TRY TO RE-INSERT THE TOOTH.

Chipped or fractured baby/permanent tooth: Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and take it along to your dentist.

Possible broken or fractured jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital.